Outside an isolated former military base in the English countryside, a small medical team has set up to assess and aid the growing numbers of asylum seekers held there. This converted Royal Air Force base, located northeast of London, is part of the UK government’s controversial efforts to shift thousands of asylum seekers from costly hotels into alternative accommodation. However, critics argue that such places are ill-suited to host vulnerable individuals who have often experienced traumatic events.
At the razor-wired edge of the base, a visibly weakened Eritrean man in his 20s, speaking in broken English, expressed the difficulties of living inside. This week, he arrived for an appointment with the medics from France’s Medecins du Monde (Doctors of the World) charity, who have been operating a mobile clinic outside the Wethersfield barracks three days a week since early December. The clinic operates in partnership with fellow NGO Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and consists of a doctor, an assistant, and often includes Medecins du Monde’s UK director, Simon Tyler.
Due to limited resources and space, the medical team can only provide basic care from their van, which is loaded with essential medical equipment and supplies. Patients come seeking treatment for various ailments, with intestinal pain being a common issue. However, the most prevalent health concern among asylum seekers is mental health and psychological issues. According to Simon Tyler, it is the number one morbidity by a significant margin.
The plight of asylum seekers goes beyond physical health concerns. Many have fled their home countries due to persecution, violence, or other traumatic experiences. These individuals often face significant challenges in adapting to their new surroundings and dealing with the emotional aftermath of their experiences. The mobile clinic aims to address these mental health issues to the best of its capacity, providing support and care for those in need.
While the efforts of Medecins du Monde and Doctors Without Borders are commendable, the situation highlights the need for more comprehensive and specialized support for asylum seekers. The limited resources and space available in the mobile clinic make it challenging to provide the level of care required for individuals with complex mental health needs. Asylum seekers require access to professional mental health services, including therapy and counseling, to help them heal and rebuild their lives.
Furthermore, the location of the former military base raises concerns about the suitability of such accommodations for vulnerable individuals. The razor-wired edges and isolated nature of the base can create an environment that exacerbates the already challenging circumstances faced by asylum seekers. It is crucial for the UK government to prioritize the well-being and safety of these individuals by providing appropriate and compassionate housing options.
In conclusion, the mobile clinic operated by Medecins du Monde and Doctors Without Borders outside the former military base in the English countryside provides much-needed medical aid to asylum seekers. However, the limited resources and space available highlight the need for more comprehensive mental health support for these individuals. It is essential for the UK government to address the concerns raised and ensure the well-being and safety of asylum seekers as they navigate through challenging circumstances and seek a new beginning in the country.
